Sandra Elizabeth Rodil

Dr Sandra Elizabeth Rodil

Research Fellow

Organisation

University of Southampton

Research summary

Multifunctional Coatings

Natural materials such as wood or bone have been improved by nature along centuries of evolution to fulfill particular functions. The message that we learned when studying them is that they are usually conformed by more than one single material and/or structure. They are hybrid, layered or composite materials having different properties inside than outside. On the other hand, artificial or man-made materials have been developed mainly as single bulk structures. Nowadays, materials scientist have realized that it is important to design new complex structures combining more than one type of material in order to achieve the performance demanded by the modern technological advances. Coatings are an excellent method to modify the surface properties of traditional bulk materials aiming to improve the functionality of the whole device or structure. The research developed between the University of Southampton and the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico is focused on developing coatings to improve the tribomechanical properties of engineering materials. The current demands for more efficient mechanical systems, such as in the automotive industry or in gas-turbine engines or machinery with lubricated parts requires the development of new materials and coatings that can offer lower friction and higher wear resistance. Reducing friction is a challenging issue that impacts on increased energy efficiency, reduced fuel consumption, reduced CO2 emission and reduced wear of moving parts. It is a surface related problem, so it can be tackled by the use of coatings that offer low-friction and low-wear characteristics under demanding tribological conditions; these can vary according to the specific application.

Grants awarded

Nanocomposite coatings based on metal oxides

Nanocomposite coatings based on metal oxides

Scheme: Newton Advanced Fellowship

Dates: Oct 2016 - Sep 2019

Value: £110,000

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